Classic banana bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made from ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking soda. You begin by mashing overripe bananas, which lend natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Creaming butter and sugar creates a fluffy base, to which you add beaten eggs and mashed bananas. Mixing in flour and baking soda produces a smooth batter, ready to be poured into a loaf pan. Baking until golden brown, banana bread fills the kitchen with a comforting aroma and results in a tender, delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
The history of banana bread dates back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression when resourceful home bakers found creative ways to use overripe bananas instead of discarding them. The rise of baking powder and baking soda in that era made quick breads like banana bread easier to prepare. The first banana bread recipes appeared in popular cookbooks like the 1933 edition of Pillsbury’s Balanced Recipes. Over the years, banana bread has become a beloved classic, celebrated for its simplicity and the nostalgic comfort it provides. Today, variations abound, including additions like nuts, chocolate chips, and spices, but the classic recipe remains a timeless favorite in kitchens around the world.
#### Prep Time:
10 minutes
#### Cook Time:
60 minutes
#### Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
#### Servings:
8
#### Yield:
1 loaf
#### Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 3/4 cup sugar (you can reduce to 1/2 cup if you prefer less sweetness)
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
2. **In a mixing bowl,** mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
3. **Mix in the sugar,** beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and combine.
4. **Add the flour** and mix just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be lumpy.
5. **Pour the batter** into the prepared loaf pan.
6. **Bake** for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
7. **Let the bread cool** in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread!
